Azamara has added a collection of National Geographic day tours to its shore programme.

Beginning this month, the small-ship cruise line now offers nine different day tours in partnership with National Geographic’s ground handler Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services.

In Amsterdam, passengers will take a walking tour and hear about the history of the city’s refugees and immigrants before enjoying a meal.

Passengers visiting the Dominican Republic will listen to chefs talking about gastronomy and participate in a cooking class to make a traditional dish.

In Cozumel, Mexico, a marine biologist will take guests on a tour of coral reefs and mangroves and passengers can snorkel.

Each tour is hosted by a National Geographic-trained guide and follows criteria laid out by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Head of land product development Paul Chapple said: “Our Azamara guest is constantly seeking new ways to explore different cultures and destinations through educational and immersive travel.

“Intercruises’ trusted services and reliability paired with National Geographic’s legacy and global expertise helps us provide our guests with exclusive access to hands-on cultural experiences, adventures steeped in expertise and meaningful explorations.”

Virginia Quintairos, business development director at Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, said: “We have had the privilege of working with Azamara for many years and understand the high expectations in terms of quality, cultural authenticity and local immersion for their shore programming.

“National Geographic day tours are truly unique and original experiences, arguably bringing guests closer to the destination than ever before, and we are now excited to start operating them with Azamara.”